> It's taken a couple of weeks on the train, one hour per day, and I feel I
> know
> all 35 instructions of the PIC16f628a that I'm using.

That's right, only 35 instructions.  That is really not a lot of info to learn.  Each one does just the simplest task, and what is more, many of them don't get much use.  I hardly ever use NOP, COMF or SWAPF, for instance.  

The learning curve on Assembler seems intimidating, but keep the entire scope in mind, it is a collection of 35 of the most basic and trivial math operations you can possibly have.  They can be broken down into three or four groups of similar functions (BCF, BSF, BTFSC, BTSS for instance all operate on a bit) It is really not as tough as people make out.  

-- Lawrence Lile, P.E.
Electrical and Electronic Solutions
Project Solutions Companies
www.projsolco.com


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mcgee, Mark [mailto:mark.mcgee@csfb.com]
> Sent: Friday, November 12, 2004 4:38 AM
> To: 'Microcontroller discussion list - Public.'
> Subject: RE: [PIC:] Getting started with PIC's
> 
> I just started with PICs.  And I can heartily agree with this
> recommendation
> for a good place to start leaning PIC and assembler, despite the plug from
> the
> author! This was my first port of call, and I found it very, very useful.
> I
> haven't really looked at anything else other than datasheets and the mid
> range
> reference manual from Microchip's web site.
> 
> I use the Free download MPLAB with the in-build MPASM assembler.  I find
> the
> simulator absolutely invaluable.  You really ought to look at this stuff
> first!
> 
> > <SHAMELESS_PLUG>
> > http://www.amqrp.org/elmer160/lessons
> > </SHAMELESS_PLUG>
> 
> I am a C++ developer by trade, but decided on assembler for my PIC
> projects.
> It's taken a couple of weeks on the train, one hour per day, and I feel I
> know
> all 35 instructions of the PIC16f628a that I'm using.
> 
> Understanding how these things work at a low level may well help with your
> high level programming in other areas too.  Can't hurt anyway.
> 
> I have to admit, my programming career started when I was at junior school
> when I learned Z80, then 6510 assembler, so it may have helped me pick up
> PIC
> stuff....
> 
> Cheers,
> Mark
> 
> 
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